Jesse Lingard's relationship with West Ham and the club's supporters could give the Hammers an advantage in the race to sign the Manchester United star this summer, claims transfer insider Pete O'Rourke.
Lingard, who spent the second half of last season on loan at the London Stadium, is expected to leave Old Trafford at the end of the campaign, with David Moyes one manager who is interested in the player.
What is the latest news involving Lingard?
Life at United this season has not been great for Lingard or any of his team-mates, with the attacking midfielder recently telling Red Devils legend Paul Scholes that the dressing room is a disaster right now.
“I had a quick chat with Jesse the other day. I’m sure he won’t mind me saying. He said, ‘The dressing room is just a disaster,'" Scholes said while speaking to DAZN (via talkSPORT).
Lingard, though, looks set to leave the Old Trafford dressing room, as his contract expires in the summer.
In regards to potential destinations, according to the Daily Mirror, West Ham and Newcastle United are two options from the Premier League for the 32-cap England international.
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What has O'Rourke said about Lingard to West Ham?
Given the success of Lingard's loan spell with West Ham last season and the relationship he built up with supporters, O'Rourke thinks the Hammers could have an advantage in the battle to land the United man.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the football journalist said: "I think you've got to say that it gives them an advantage; they both know each other. Jesse Lingard was such a big fans' favourite during his loan spell at West Ham, so the fans would definitely encourage that move."
Why are West Ham so keen on Lingard?
While Lingard has had his struggles this season, making just two Premier League starts, Moyes and West Ham will not forget the impact he made last term.
He scored nine times in 16 appearances to help the east London club to qualify for the Europa League.
United legend Rio Ferdinand has also described the ex-West Ham loanee as an "intelligent footballer".
Speaking on his YouTube channel Five, the former England defender said: "I’ve argued with pundit after pundit, on-air, and off-air. He could play in any top team because he’s an intelligent footballer. He can play off one touch or two touch."
All in all, it is not hard to see why West Ham and Moyes remain keen on Lingard going into the summer transfer window.